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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 12:33 Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/12-33.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/40_Mat_12_33.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 12:33 - Good and Bad Fruit" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad; for a tree is known by its fruit." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/12-33.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/12-33.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 33</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/12-32.htm" title="Matthew 12:32">◄</a> Matthew 12:33 <a href="/matthew/12-34.htm" title="Matthew 12:34">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/12.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. <a href="/nlt/matthew/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> “A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. <a href="/esv/matthew/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. <a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is known by its fruit. <a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad. For the tree is known by the fruit. <a href="/kjv/matthew/12.htm">King James Bible</a> Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/12.htm">New King James Version</a> “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Either assume the tree to be good as well as its fruit good, or assume the tree to be bad as well as its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. <a href="/nasb/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. <a href="/lsb/matthew/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. <a href="/amp/matthew/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is recognized and judged by its fruit. <a href="/csb/matthew/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Either make the tree good and its fruit will be good, or make the tree bad and its fruit will be bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. <a href="/asv/matthew/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree corrupt, and its fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by its fruit. <a href="/cev/matthew/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. You can tell what a tree is like by the fruit it produces. <a href="/erv/matthew/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree corrupt, and its fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by its fruit. <a href="/gwt/matthew/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Make a tree good, and then its fruit will be good. Or make a tree rotten, and then its fruit will be rotten. A person can recognize a tree by its fruit. <a href="/gnt/matthew/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> "To have good fruit you must have a healthy tree; if you have a poor tree, you will have bad fruit. A tree is known by the kind of fruit it bears. <a href="/isv/matthew/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree rotten and its fruit rotten, because a tree is known by its fruit. <a href="/msb/matthew/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is known by its fruit. <a href="/net/matthew/12.htm">NET Bible</a> "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is known by its fruit. <a href="/nheb/matthew/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "Either make the tree good, and its fruit good, or make the tree corrupt, and its fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by its fruit. <a href="/wbt/matthew/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and its fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by its fruit. <a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Either grant the tree to be wholesome and its fruit wholesome, or the tree poisonous and its fruit poisonous; for the tree is known by its fruit. <a href="/web/matthew/12.htm">World English Bible</a> “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree corrupt and its fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by its fruit. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Either make the tree good, and its fruit good, or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad, for from the fruit is the tree known. <a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad. For the tree is known by the fruit. <a href="/ylt/matthew/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'Either make the tree good, and its fruit good, or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad, for from the fruit is the tree known. <a href="/slt/matthew/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree rotten, and its fruit rotten; for the tree is known by its fruit.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Either make the tree good and its fruit good: or make the tree evil, and its fruit evil. For by the fruit the tree is known. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree evil and its fruit evil. For certainly a tree is known by its fruit. <a href="/nabre/matthew/12.htm">New American Bible</a> “Either declare the tree good and its fruit is good, or declare the tree rotten and its fruit is rotten, for a tree is known by its fruit. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Either produce like a good tree with good fruits, or produce like a bad tree with bad fruits; for a tree is known by its fruits. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Either make the tree good and its fruit good or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree unsound, and its fruit unsound. For by the fruit the tree is known. <a href="/godbey/matthew/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree corrupt, and its fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by the fruit.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree corrupt, and its fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by the fruit. <a href="/mace/matthew/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Either allow the tree to be good, and its fruit good; or else say the tree is corrupt, and its fruit corrupt: for a tree is distinguished by its fruit. <a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Either grant the tree to be wholesome and its fruit wholesome, or the tree poisonous and its fruit poisonous; for the tree is known by its fruit. <a href="/worrell/matthew/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree worthless and its fruit worthless; for from the fruit the tree is known.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>Either allow the tree <Fr>to be<FR> good, and it's fruit good; or shew the tree <Fr>to be<FR> corrupt, and it's fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by <Fr>it's<FR> fruit.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/12-33.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=3270" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm">Good and Bad Fruit</a> 32Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the one to come. 33<a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: Ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than."></a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiēsate (V-AMA-2P) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">Make</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">a</a> <a href="/greek/1186.htm" title="1186: dendron (N-ANS) -- A tree. Probably from drus; a tree.">tree</a> <a href="/greek/2570.htm" title="2570: kalon (Adj-ANS) -- Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.">good</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GN3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">its</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2590.htm" title="2590: karpon (N-AMS) -- Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively.">fruit</a> <a href="/greek/2570.htm" title="2570: kalon (Adj-AMS) -- Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.">will be good,</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiēsate (V-AMA-2P) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">make</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">a</a> <a href="/greek/1186.htm" title="1186: dendron (N-ANS) -- A tree. Probably from drus; a tree.">tree</a> <a href="/greek/4550.htm" title="4550: sapron (Adj-ANS) -- Rotten, useless, corrupt, depraved. From sepo; rotten, i.e. Worthless.">bad</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GN3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">its</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2590.htm" title="2590: karpon (N-AMS) -- Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively.">fruit</a> <a href="/greek/4550.htm" title="4550: sapron (Adj-AMS) -- Rotten, useless, corrupt, depraved. From sepo; rotten, i.e. Worthless.">will be bad;</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">for</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">a</a> <a href="/greek/1186.htm" title="1186: dendron (N-NNS) -- A tree. Probably from drus; a tree.">tree</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: ginōsketai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">is known</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">by</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">its</a> <a href="/greek/2590.htm" title="2590: karpou (N-GMS) -- Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively.">fruit.</a> 34You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/luke/6-43.htm">Luke 6:43-45</a> No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. / For each tree is known by its own fruit. Indeed, figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor grapes from brambles. / The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. <a href="/matthew/7-16.htm">Matthew 7:16-20</a> By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? / Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. / A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ... <a href="/james/3-12.htm">James 3:12</a> My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. <a href="/john/15-4.htm">John 15:4-5</a> Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. / I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a> But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. <a href="/proverbs/12-12.htm">Proverbs 12:12</a> The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes. <a href="/proverbs/18-20.htm">Proverbs 18:20-21</a> From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. / Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. <a href="/isaiah/5-4.htm">Isaiah 5:4</a> What more could have been done for My vineyard than I have done for it? Why, when I expected sweet grapes, did it bring forth sour fruit? <a href="/jeremiah/17-10.htm">Jeremiah 17:10</a> I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve. <a href="/romans/6-21.htm">Romans 6:21-22</a> What fruit did you reap at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The outcome of those things is death. / But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life. <a href="/ephesians/5-9.htm">Ephesians 5:9</a> for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. <a href="/colossians/1-10.htm">Colossians 1:10</a> so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, <a href="/psalms/1-3.htm">Psalm 1:3</a> He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does. <a href="/psalms/92-12.htm">Psalm 92:12-14</a> The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. / Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. / In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain, <a href="/hosea/9-10.htm">Hosea 9:10</a> I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness. I saw your fathers as the firstfruits of the fig tree in its first season. But they went to Baal-peor, and consecrated themselves to Shame; so they became as detestable as the thing they loved.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.make the good tree.<a href="/matthew/23-26.htm">Matthew 23:26</a> Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.<a href="/ezekiel/18-31.htm">Ezekiel 18:31</a> Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?<a href="/amos/5-15.htm">Amos 5:15</a> Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.and his fruit good.<a href="/matthew/3-8.htm">Matthew 3:8-10</a> Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: … <a href="/matthew/7-16.htm">Matthew 7:16-20</a> Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? … <a href="/luke/3-9.htm">Luke 3:9</a> And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/7-18.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/matthew/7-18.htm">Corrupt</a> <a href="/matthew/12-32.htm">Either</a> <a href="/matthew/7-20.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/matthew/12-12.htm">Good</a> <a href="/zechariah/3-7.htm">Grant</a> <a href="/matthew/7-18.htm">Poisonous</a> <a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Recognized</a> <a href="/matthew/7-19.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-31.htm">Wholesome</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/12-35.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/luke/6-43.htm">Corrupt</a> <a href="/mark/16-13.htm">Either</a> <a href="/matthew/13-8.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Good</a> <a href="/matthew/20-21.htm">Grant</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-24.htm">Poisonous</a> <a href="/matthew/14-35.htm">Recognized</a> <a href="/matthew/13-32.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-3.htm">Wholesome</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 12</div>1. <a href="/matthew/12-1.htm">Jesus reproves the blindness of the Pharisees concerning the Sabbath,</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/12-3.htm">by scripture,</a> 9. <a href="/matthew/12-9.htm">by reason,</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/12-13.htm">and by a miracle.</a> 22. <a href="/matthew/12-22.htm">He heals a man possessed that was blind and mute;</a> 24. <a href="/matthew/12-24.htm">and confronting the absurd charge of casting out demons by Beelzebub, </a> 32. <a href="/matthew/12-32.htm">he shows that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall never be forgiven.</a> 36. <a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Account shall be made of idle words.</a> 38. <a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">He rebukes the unfaithful, who seek after a sign,</a> 46. <a href="/matthew/12-46.htm">and shows who is his brother, sister, and mother.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Make a tree good and its fruit will be good This phrase emphasizes the intrinsic connection between the nature of a tree and the quality of its fruit. In biblical context, the tree often symbolizes a person or a community, and the fruit represents actions or outcomes. The idea is that a person's character (the tree) determines their actions (the fruit). This concept is echoed in <a href="/psalms/1-3.htm">Psalm 1:3</a>, where a righteous person is likened to a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season. The imagery of a good tree producing good fruit is also found in <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>, where the fruit of the Spirit is described, highlighting virtues such as love, joy, and peace.or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad Here, the focus shifts to the negative aspect, where a corrupt nature leads to corrupt actions. This reflects the biblical principle that evil intentions and a sinful heart result in sinful behavior. In <a href="/matthew/7-17.htm">Matthew 7:17-18</a>, Jesus similarly teaches that a bad tree cannot bear good fruit, reinforcing the idea that one's inner moral and spiritual state is revealed through their actions. This concept is rooted in the Old Testament, where the prophets often used the metaphor of a fruitless or diseased tree to describe Israel's unfaithfulness (e.g., <a href="/jeremiah/17-5.htm">Jeremiah 17:5-8</a>).for a tree is known by its fruit This concluding phrase underscores the principle of discernment based on observable outcomes. In the cultural context of Jesus' time, agriculture was a common livelihood, making this metaphor relatable and easily understood. The statement serves as a warning against hypocrisy, as seen in <a href="/matthew/23-27.htm">Matthew 23:27-28</a>, where Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their outward appearance of righteousness while being inwardly corrupt. The idea that actions reveal true character is a consistent biblical theme, as seen in <a href="/james/2-18.htm">James 2:18</a>, where faith is demonstrated through works. This principle also aligns with the prophetic tradition, where true prophets are distinguished from false ones by the fulfillment of their words and the righteousness of their lives (<a href="/deuteronomy/18-21.htm">Deuteronomy 18:21-22</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, addressing the Pharisees and the crowd. He uses the metaphor of a tree and its fruit to illustrate the nature of a person's heart and actions. 2. <a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees</a> A religious group in Israel known for their strict adherence to the Law. They are often depicted in the Gospels as opposing Jesus and His teachings. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_crowd.htm">The Crowd</a> The general audience present during Jesus' teaching. They are witnesses to the interaction between Jesus and the Pharisees. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_tree_and_its_fruit.htm">The Tree and Its Fruit</a> A metaphor used by Jesus to describe the relationship between a person's inner character (the tree) and their outward actions (the fruit). 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_context_of_the_miracle.htm">The Context of the Miracle</a> This teaching follows Jesus healing a demon-possessed man, which led to accusations from the Pharisees that He was casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_the_heart.htm">The Nature of the Heart</a> Just as a tree's nature determines its fruit, a person's heart condition determines their actions. A heart transformed by Christ will produce good fruit. <a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a> Believers are called to examine their lives for evidence of spiritual fruit. This involves assessing whether our actions align with the teachings of Christ. <a href="/topical/t/transformation_through_christ.htm">Transformation through Christ</a> True transformation comes from a relationship with Jesus. It is not about external compliance but an internal change that manifests outwardly. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_leadership.htm">Discernment in Leadership</a> Just as Jesus warned about false prophets, believers must discern the character of those they follow, ensuring their teachings align with Scripture. <a href="/topical/c/consistency_in_witness.htm">Consistency in Witness</a> Our actions should consistently reflect our faith. Inconsistencies can harm our witness to others and misrepresent the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 12</a> <a href="/q/who_is_the_prophet_like_moses.htm">What does 'condemned by your words' mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'condemned_by_words'_mean.htm">What does "condemned by your words" mean?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_jesus_judge_actions_in_matt_25.htm">If good works don’t save, why does Jesus say people will be judged by their actions in Matthew 25:31-46?</a> <a href="/q/why_curse_fig_tree_out_of_fig_season.htm">Why does Jesus curse a fig tree in Matthew 21:19 for having no fruit when it was not the season for figs?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(33) Either make the tree good.--Like most proverbs and parables, the words present different phases, and admit of various applications. As spoken to men of neutral, half-hearted character, they might seem a call, not without a touch of indignant rebuke, to consistency. "At least be thorough; lot principles and actions harmonise. Do not think you can produce the fruit of good works from the tree of a corrupt heart." This, however, is not their meaning here. The men to whom our Lord spoke were not neutral, but in direct hostility to Him, and here, therefore, He presses on them logical rather than practical consistency; "make," i.e., reckon, the tree and the fruit as having the same character. If to cast out demons be a good work, then the power from which it flows must be good also. Works of that kind do not come from a corrupt source.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 33-37. - You wonder that I make so much of words; words are not trivialities, but are really the legitimate and normal fruit of the heart, and therefore by them each man will be judged. (1) Take your choice; half-heartedness is not enough (cf. ver. 30); the fruit tells the nature of the tree (ver. 33). (2) Our Lord addresses the Pharisees directly, showing them their true character. They only speak according to their spiritual condition (ver. 34). (3) Man can only bring out what is already in his heart (ver. 35). . . . <a href="/commentaries/matthew/12-33.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Make ποιήσατε (poiēsate) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. a τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. tree δένδρον (dendron) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1186.htm">Strong's 1186: </a> A tree. Probably from drus; a tree. good καλὸν (kalon) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2570.htm">Strong's 2570: </a> Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. its αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Neuter 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. fruit καρπὸν (karpon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2590.htm">Strong's 2590: </a> Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively. [will be] good, καλόν (kalon) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2570.htm">Strong's 2570: </a> Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. make ποιήσατε (poiēsate) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. a τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. tree δένδρον (dendron) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1186.htm">Strong's 1186: </a> A tree. Probably from drus; a tree. bad σαπρὸν (sapron) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4550.htm">Strong's 4550: </a> Rotten, useless, corrupt, depraved. From sepo; rotten, i.e. Worthless. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. its αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Neuter 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. fruit καρπὸν (karpon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2590.htm">Strong's 2590: </a> Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively. [will be] bad; σαπρόν (sapron) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4550.htm">Strong's 4550: </a> Rotten, useless, corrupt, depraved. From sepo; rotten, i.e. Worthless. for γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. a τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. tree δένδρον (dendron) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1186.htm">Strong's 1186: </a> A tree. Probably from drus; a tree. is known γινώσκεται (ginōsketai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications. by ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. [its] τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. fruit. καρποῦ (karpou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2590.htm">Strong's 2590: </a> Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/12-33.htm">Matthew 12:33 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/12-33.htm">Matthew 12:33 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/12-33.htm">Matthew 12:33 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/12-33.htm">Matthew 12:33 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/12-33.htm">Matthew 12:33 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/12-33.htm">Matthew 12:33 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/12-33.htm">Matthew 12:33 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/12-33.htm">Matthew 12:33 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/12-33.htm">Matthew 12:33 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/12-33.htm">Matthew 12:33 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/12-33.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 12:33 Either make the tree good and its (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/12-32.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 12:32"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:32" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/12-34.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 12:34"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:34" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>